General

DUI or Driving Under Influence which is also known as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or OUI (Operating Under Influence) in some States is one of the most frequent traffic violations. It is at the same time one of the most dangerous offence. Aside from the high fines or tough punishments, which sometimes include additional costly duties, it is a threat to drivers’ or other people’s health and life.

When you are a driver you have to be aware of certain things. You know you are not allowed to drive if you are drunk or if you are high. However there isn’t just one term, the commonly known Driving Under the Influence (DUI) for all violations, which might cause a bit confusion. In this blog we’d like to briefly tell you what other terms are there and what they mean.

SR-22 (the “SR” stands for “safety responsibility”) is a document that verifies that someone has automobile insurance. The SR22 is prepared by an insurance company and then filed (by the insurance company) with the department of motor vehicles (DMV). The SR22 is not an insurance policy. It is evidence that you have a policy. Typically, an SR22 is required when a driver seeks to reinstate a driver’s license after being convicted of a DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance, or some other driving violation that’s resulted in a suspension. The SR22 may be required whether you own a vehicle (owner SR-22) or not (non-owner SR22). It is usually required for a number of years – for example, five years following a DUI conviction. If the policy holder fails to pay the premiums, the SR22 is cancelled and an SR-26 is filed with the DMV. When the DMV receives the SR26, the policy holder’s license is suspended until a new SR22 is filed.